Scouting the Chiefs

The Chargers get their first exposure this week to the new-look Chiefs, who brought in former New England exec Scott Pioli to run the football operation and former Arizona offensive coordinator Todd Haley as head coach. The results have been anything but immediate, with the Chiefs ranking in the bottom quartile of nearly every major offensive and defensive statistical category, and failing to win a game until Sunday at Washington.

Kansas City is 0-3 at home, although it did lead Oakland until the final 67 seconds and take Dallas to overtime. Matt Cassel hasn't made many mistakes at quarterback, but he hasn't made many big plays, either, averaging just 5.54 yards per pass attempt. Larry Johnson, once one of the best running backs in the league, is averaging 2.7 yards per carry, and Chiefs opponents are gaining 4.5 yards per rush.

In short, this is exactly the type of team the Chargers figured to dominate back when everyone thought the Chargers were a good team. Now, it's anyone's guess. Even the oddsmakers have the Chargers as only 4½-point favorites, which seemed unfathomably low just a few weeks ago.

– Jay Posner

THREE PLAYERS TO WATCH

Matt Cassel, QB. It hasn't gone as smoothly this season for Cassel as it did last year with New England, where he led the more talented Pats to an 11-5 season. But Cassel does have seven TD passes and just two INTs. He struggled vs. the Chargers a year ago, going 22-of-38 for just 203 yards with an interception and four sacks in a 30-10 loss. He's been sacked 19 times, although that's not usually an issue with this Chargers defense.

Sean Ryan, TE. Don't worry if you haven't heard of him – you probably will Sunday when he faces every tight end's dream opponent. Ryan is a journeyman with his sixth team in the last four seasons, but he's exceeded his previous career totals with 14 catches and two TDs this year.

Tamba Hali, OLB. Liberian native moved from defensive end to outside linebacker in Chiefs' 4-3 defense. The last time he faced the Chargers, Hali tied a career high with two sacks and two forced fumbles. He also had two sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery in two games vs. San Diego in 2006.

FAMILIAR FACES

Guard Mike Goff started 87 straight games (including playoffs) at right guard for the Chargers the past five seasons. Chris Caminiti, manager of football operations, was linebackers coach at USD in 1996 and head coach at Granite Hills High in 2001. Video assistant Josh Schmidt was USD's video coordinator in 2005.

INJURY REPORT

Safety Jarrad Page (shoulder) and left tackle Branden Albert (ankle) were inactive last week due to injury. Running back Kolby Smith is on the Physically Unable to Perform list and could return to practice this week.

SERIES HISTORY

The Chargers were lucky to win both games last year vs. Kansas City, especially the one at Arrowhead that saved their season. Both victories came by one point, making it six one-point games between the two teams in the last 15 years – all won by the Chargers. Kansas City holds a slim 50-47-1 advantage overall, although the Chargers have won three straight, including the last two played at Arrowhead.